According to a recent post on the excellent TripsWithPets.com blog, car sickness usually comes from one of three things: stress, immature ears, or a self-fulfilling prophecy. If your dog got sick on his first car trip, he’s more likely to associate the car with nausea and will get nauseated every time.
So, what do you do?
First of all, make sure your dog is able to face forward in his crate or on his tether. Put him in the middle seat rather than the way back if you have 3 seats – there’s more motion in the back.
Take your dog for short “pleasure” trips so he doesn’t associate car rides only with going to the vet or being boarded.
Use drugs. (No, not you; they’re for the dog.) Three classes of drugs can help:
*Anti-nausea drugs – reduce vomiting. (Example: Dramamine)
*Antihistamines – used to lessen motion sickness, reduce drooling, and help them to be calm. (Example: Benadryl)
*Phenothiazine and related drugs – reduce vomiting and help to sedate. These usually require a prescription.
Make sure you read the instructions carefully and give the right dose for your dog’s size.
If you’d rather take a holistic approach, both ginger and peppermint are good for sour stomachs. Talking calmly to your dog or having a passenger sit next to him and rub his tummy might also help.
Good luck!
Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!